Posts Tagged Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Jose Santiago

Chicago Fire Department news

Excerpts from the ChicagoSunTimes.com:

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is looking for a new Chicago Fire Department commissioner, as Jose Santiago hits mandatory retirement age and steps down. Emanuel tried to find a way to let Santiago stay past his 63rd birthday that’s coming up in a few days, but the city statute bars firefighters of any rank from serving beyond that.

Emanuel appointed Santiago in 2012 after the retirement of Robert Hoff. At the time, the mayor would not rule out closing firehouses or reducing the number of firefighters per truck from the required five, saying new technology made change possible. But there have been no such cuts. Emanuel also initially pushed for an end to uniform allowances and other perks for firefighters under the contract that was then being negotiated. But those harder-line positions also didn’t make it into the final deal.

The city’s contract with Firefighters Union Local 2 expired over a year ago, and negotiations are underway for a new deal as the re-election-seeking mayor searches for a new fire commissioner.

Emanuel wants to name a replacement soon, and his focus will be on candidates within the fire department.

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Chicago Fire Department news

Excerpts from the abc7chicago.com:

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Jose Santiago recognized 125 new graduates of the Fire Academy during a ceremony last Wednesday evening at Navy Pier.

The graduating class included 29 former or current members of the U.S. Military, 10 former police officers, 11 former CFD medics and two family members of those who lost their life during service as police officers or firefighters.

The graduates completed a six-month training course that included courses for certification as an EMT and Illinois firefighter.

thanks Dennis

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Chicago Fire Department news (more)

Images from Eric Haak of the Still & Box Alarm with an EMS Plan I at 4921 W. Potomac Avenue on Sunday where four CFD firefighters were injured and a Mayday Alert was issued.

aftermath of fire scene where firefighters were hurt in a backdraft

Eric Haak photo

aftermath of house fire where a backdraft injured four CFD firefighters

Eric Haak photo

Chicago FD Engine 117

Eric Haak photo

Chicago fire trucks at a fire scene

Eric Haak photo

mobile command board at Chicago fire scene

Eric Haak photo

Chicago FD ambulances stage at fire scene

Eric Haak photo

Chicago FD Engine 96

Eric Haak photo

Excerpts from ABC7Chicago.com:

Three of the four Chicago firefighters injured Sunday afternoon while fighting a blaze in a West Side apartment building remain hospitalized, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

The firefighters all suffered heat and smoke-related injuries, including first- and second-degree burns.  One has been released and the others are in good condition.

A flash was seen on the second floor as the firefighters went inside the building. Two of the firefighters had to jump out a second story window when a rush of oxygen ignited a backdraft as they entered the home along with two others who entered through the kitchen.

Six people have been displaced by the fire. No other injuries were reported.

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Chicago Fire Department news

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

Four firefighters were burned in a backdraft that erupted during a blaze Sunday afternoon in the 4900 block of West Potomac Avenue in the city’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side. They were taken to Stroger Hospital, where their conditions have stabilized, according to the fire department.

The four firefighters suffered first and second-degree burns after flames suddenly intensified, forcing some to jump from a second-story window.

Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Jose Santiago said firefighters tracked the source of the fire near a kitchen on the second floor. As they entered into that area, the heat and size of the fire surged forcing them to retreat.

“As the firefighters make entry, you may have a fire just sitting there, and the only thing it’s lacking is oxygen,” he said. “In order for firefighters to get in there, they’re going to open doors, and it will start feeding that fire. Sometimes, it’s like an explosion. They’re engulfed in fire. They all had their masks on. That’s why they’re alive right now,” Santiago said.

Santiago said some firefighters had trouble with their water supply as they were inside the building. It was not clear what caused the issue, but Santiago said that and the cause of the fire are under investigation.

“Anything can happen. A hose kinks, a hose can get stuck underneath a door,” he said. “They’ll take a look at all that and try to figure out why they had the problem.”

A mayday was called when the backdraft occurred as firefighters were searching for victims and putting out the fire on the second floor. An EMS Plan I, sending six ambulances to the scene, was also initiated.

The first calls of the blaze came in at 12:04 p.m., and the first responding firefighters got there at 12:08 p.m. The mayday was called at 12:20 p.m.

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